Darna دارنا
Arabic term meaning “our home”, symbolizing a shared sense of belonging,
community, and cultural identity deeply rooted in Palestinian heritage.
About
Capstone Project
Year
2025
Ayah Akl
Concept Statemnet
A culturally immersive environment where the past and present intertwine, reconnecting displaced Palestinian children with their heritage to build a sense of belonging and develop a collective feeling of hope.
Problem Adressed
75% of displaced Palestinians struggle to pass down traditions
Design Concept
The design concept embodies hope as a transformative journey, guiding visitors from displacement and loss to renewal and belonging. Through sensory experiences, spatial transitions, and personal engagement, the space ensures that hope is not only seen but actively felt and carried forward beyond the journey.
The Culture
Rooted Resilience
Family Gathering
Target Users
Target users: Children ( 5 - 18 years old)
Dual Engagement: Spaces for both children and parents.
Blending traditional architecture with triangular motifs
Earthy greens provide grounding and balance.
Muted reds add warmth and
emotional connection.
Enduring Labor
Heritage Preservation
Journey Based Layout
The bubble diagram shows how the space naturally guides visitors on a structured but intuitive journey. The journey is made to follow the traditional Palestinian neighbourhood going form outdoor in indoor activities entering home, by finding the key in the Scavenger Hunt activity.
Conceptual Sketches
These conceptual sketches show how the design concept comes to life using interactive spaces, cultural elements, and playful structures to reflect Palestinian heritage and guide visitor engagement.
Video
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